Earl R. Higgerson

	Earl R. Higgerson, 50, of 724 Sheridan Drive, died at 10:30 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 2004 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
	 Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 1, 2004 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, with Dr. Orville S. Lester officiating.  Visitation wasfrom 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Masonic rites performed at 7:00 p.m.  
	Mr. Higgerson was born on March 25, 1954 in Peoria, IL, the son of Earl L. and Helen L. (Hirsch) Higgerson.  He married the former Beth Ann Ruck in Navarre Beach, FL on April 5, 2003 and she survives.     
	He was a correctional officer at the Big Muddy River Correctional Center, a member of the AFSCME Local 1336, and a volunteer fireman with the Benton Fire Department.  He was a member of the DuQuoin First Baptist Church, Benton Masonic Lodge, Benton Elks Club, Boneyard Boccie Club, and the Benton Country Club.
	In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Nathan and wife Carrie Higgerson, Waterloo, IL, a daughter, Leah and husband Shane Anderson, St. Peters, MO, a step-son, Ian Oller, Morrisonville, IL, his mother, Helen Higgerson, DuQuoin, a brother, Larry and wife Terry Higgerson, DuQuoin, a niece and nephew, Kelley and Lance Higgerson, both of DuQuoin.
	Mr. Higgerson was preceded in death by his father.
